Golf

Golf was introduced in Hungary 1909 and shortly afterwards became a popular pastime of many Hungarians. The true grass-roots development of the sport came between 1926 and 1936.

Hungarian golfers achieved significant success over the years and were a viable part of European golfing community. From 1952 to 1970, political discrimination deeply influenced golf in Hungary and it was a "sport non-grata". After a long hiatus, the first Hungarian Golf Association was established in 1989. Today there are several great golf courses you can enjoy while visiting Hungary. Hungary welcomes both amateur and professional golfers to a wide range of 9 and 18 hole golf courses in a varied natural environment.

Under new management, this popular Golf and Country Club is in idyllic surroundings close to a very popular Hungarian spa resort, Bükfürdo. As well as golf, other leisure activities are on offer and guests can also enjoy the hotel's wellness and fitness facilities. The golf course is suitable for advanced golfers, as well as beginners.

The course is situated in Máriavölgy, about 30-40 minutes form Budapest city centre, on land occupied by the Habsburg family as a weekend retreat around 1845. The approach to the course and clubhouse (an attractive building designed by famous architect Mihály Pollack) is along a scenic alley of 200 year old sycamore trees.

The 18 hole golf course was opened in June 1997. It has since staged many EGA-sanctioned events for professional golfers, though it is still a great place for beginners to learn. The golfing academy uses high-tech golf analysis software to help improve any player's game. The complex offers many amenities other than golf, including horseriding, tennis, swimming and mountain biking. The site includes a beautiful swimming lake, and generous events facilities.

This club is now operated by The Kapos Hotel in the nearby town of Kaposvár. It has a beautiful location in the Zselic Nature Reserve to the South of Lake Balaton. To add to its charm, the course is not fenced off, so early risers may share the course with the local wildlife. Accommodation is available in the 19th century stately home - which includes a thermal bath - and the course restaurant serves up delicious seafood and fine wine from the Villany-Siklós region to the south under the shelter of huge sycamore trees.

Halfway between Budapest and Gyor the Old Lake Golf Club is within striking distance of both Bratislava and Vienna and also has its own hotel complex. The course is better suited to the amateur player than it's more illustrious, and expensive rivals.

This is operated from the bio hotel right next to the Golf Course in Zirc-Szarvaskút, to the north of Veszprém. The small but efficient facilites include a golf shop, clubhouse and even a private Barbecue area.

This neat little club is the closest to the capital, located on a raised area of the 22nd district in South Buda. Despite the relatively urban siting, it is a pleasant game and a little release from the big city.